The Sphere Program
Imagine a program where young minds are empowered to master cutting-edge technology while crafting real-world solutions to problems they care deeply about. Where students can push the boundaries of their learning in an enriched environment that extends beyond the classroom walls to take advantage of being surrounded by nature.
GRADE 4 & 5 PROGRAM FEATURES:
- Rigorous academics in all curriculum subjects
- Tech-based learning (AI, coding, robotics)
- Enriched, immersive science exploration
- Farm-to-table, health and wellness
- Art, design and prototyping
- Outdoor education and leadership
- Community engagement and action
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Pathway to the Middle School SPARC program at Pickering College
- Small class sizes with self-directed inquiry
SPHERE STUDENTS ARE:
- Curious, active problem solvers
- Eager and passionate to be challenged
- Seeking enrichment opportunities
- Motivated to test solutions with hands-on projects
- Enthusiastic to understand complex ideas
The experiential Sphere Program taps into Grade 4 and 5 students’ natural curiosity and enthusiasm to explore and try new things, which lays the foundation to tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with more independence during the approaching Middle School years.
Interested? Contact Julia Hunt at jhunt@pickeringcollege.on.ca for more details.
Students will benefit from exciting day and overnight excursions, industry-leading guest speakers, deep relationships with community organizations and additional certifications from accredited organizations.
SPHERE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
- Makerspace and design studio
- 75 acres of environmental and agricultural features
- Natural living laboratory for science exploration
- Indoor and outdoor classroom spaces
- 5 km of walkable trails and pond with observation deck
- Greenhouse, learning garden and kitchen for farm-to-table activities
- Central meadow gathering space with fire-pits, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven and camping platforms
- Forest zones for outdoor education and leadership activities
- Chicken coop, bee hives and a sugar bush for maple tapping
sample activities
- Build robots to weed and water the garden, and present this technology to local community gardeners and farmers
- Use sensors to analyze the microbiology of soil data sensors and improve crop output for the Sphere and Pickering College lunch programs
- Investigate irrigation systems, build prototypes, test and improve models for optimal garden water systems
- Fly drones to thermal map a property and provide this research to conservation organizations
- Understand space: build a roving robot to simulate conditions on Mars and compare findings with space centres
- Study the chemistry of water and the compounds within a waterway to understand how to contribute to a healthy watershed in the region
- Use polished written and oral presentation skills to share findings with not-for-profits, local authorities and research bodies
Learning is:
Personalized
Students have opportunities to self-direct their topics and outcomes. Teacher-led AI programs are used to enhance literacy and numeracy for a completely personalized, rigorous academic program.
Authentic
Students learn through real community, agriculture and outdoor challenges, applying science, cutting-edge technology and a wide-range of design materials to prototype solutions.
Interdisciplinary
Curriculum is taught thematically, drawing subjects together for authentic understanding. Students confidently apply knowledge from all subject areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I missed the open house. Can I come for a tour?
- What are the main principles of the Sphere program?
- How will both Grade 4 and Grade 5 access curriculum above grade level?
- Where will students learn?
- What are the additional costs?
- What sort of additional benefits will students have access to?
- What will learning look like in different weathers?
- What public speaking opportunities will students have?
- What types of co-curriculars will the students participate in?
- How will students experience the arts?
- Where is drop off and pick up?
- What sorts of activities will Sphere students join the Foundation Years program students for?
- Who will teach this program?
- How and when should we apply for this program?